Mariners: Five things
Mariners: Camp tour | 
Miller | 1 Man vs. 2 Fans
PEORIA, Ariz. -- Five things to know about the Seattle Mariners:
1. Not only did the Mariners last season become the first team ever to lose 100 or more games with a payroll of at least $100 million, but the 101 losses were the club's most since losing 102 in 1983. In fact, it was only the fourth time the Mariners have lost 100 or more games in 32 seasons.
2. With J.J. Putz having been traded to the New York Mets, one of the biggest questions is who will emerge as the closer. Not just on opening day, but throughout the year. Nobody seized the job in spring camp, though while the Mariners were considering David Aardsma and Tyler Walker, veteran Miguel Batista figures he'll get the call. "I don't think they're going to pay me $9 million this year to be a middle reliever," Batista said. "That would be ridiculous. If I'm not the closer, trade me. Because it would be an inconvenience to the organization and it would be an inconvenience to me."
3. Veteran Mike Sweeney is 35 and had surgery on both knees last summer (and a history of back trouble), but he is likely to make the team because he will be perfect as a bat off the bench and he will be a positive influence in a clubhouse that spiraled into a toxic place last year. Sweeney can serve as designated hitter, play some first base and pinch-hit. Batista on the presence of Sweeney and Ken Griffey Jr.: "I believe they can still play. If they're healthy, they're going to have very productive seasons. Their personalities and leadership will be great. Ken, I didn't know he was that funny. He's hilarious. Hilarious. And Mike, he cares. He'd be there for anybody."
4. With Franklin Gutierrez in center field and outfielder Endy Chavez hanging around, Seattle's pitchers are very happy. "There's no doubt we're going to be better defensively," said a guy who's slick with the glove as well, third baseman Adrian Beltre. "We've got some guys who can go get the ball. And with [shortstop] Yuniesky Betancourt and [second baseman] Jose Lopez, I think the key for us is for the pitchers to throw strikes and let the defense do its job."
5. While nobody is expecting the Mariners to contend, they can be a whole lot better than people think if they get lucky with this combination: Good health (especially in the rotation), if the position players play to their career level and if a couple of those guys play over their career level. They'd like to make Brandon Morrow a starter, but a forearm strain this spring caused him to miss enough work that he'll open in the bullpen. The plan is maybe he can be stretched out enough to start by May or June if there's an opening in the rotation. Erik Bedard still seems fragile. Carlos Silva is coming off of a 4-15 season and Jarrod Washburn was 5-14 and was shut down early with a side strain. "Last year sucked on and off the field," Washburn said. "But I think everyone who is back from last year, the last thing they want is to go through it again."
